Getting Started
To complete your application to the program, you are asked to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose — a 2–3 page essay articulating career and educational goals that demonstrates your written communication skills.
- Résumé
- Three letters of recommendation that attest to your readiness for graduate study and document the requisite minimum of two years of work experience
- Two official transcripts from each institution attended
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if applicable. TOEFL scores must be submitted by all international applicants unless otherwise specified. Please see the Language Proficiency section of the International Students page of the Web site for undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Visit the TOEFL Web site or call 609-771-7100 for more information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
- Please note: GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission to the human resources and employment relations program.
For questions regarding your application, contact:
Trisha A. Everhart
Penn State College of Liberal Arts
133 Willard Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-0747
E-mail: pxm205@psu.edu
Admission to the MPS in HRER Program is competitive. A faculty admissions committee considers all of the materials submitted by each applicant, and makes admissions decisions based on the strength of the candidate's credentials. Applicants meeting the minimum prerequisites are not necessarily guaranteed admission to the program.
When all materials have been received and reviewed, we will notify you about your status and provide guidance about the next steps.
If you have general program questions or would like to speak with an admissions counselor, please send an e-mail to wdadmissions@outreach.psu.edu or call 800-252-3592 (toll free within the United States) or 814-865-5403 (local and international).
Prerequisites
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must have received, from an accredited institution, a baccalaureate degree (3.0 GPA preferred on a 4.0 scale) with requirements substantially equivalent to those at Penn State. Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Students who do not have a GPA of 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the quality of their overall application. Applicants who are still completing their baccalaureate requirements at the time of application may be admitted to the Graduate School conditional on the awarding of the baccalaureate degree. Students are also expected to have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience prior to admission.
Technical Requirements
Our courses are designed to use technology in a way that enriches the learning experience and helps students communicate and collaborate with faculty and classmates in a productive and convenient way. Technology is an important cornerstone of this program; therefore, we provide "live" support from HelpDesk support staff via real-time chat. Please view the technical requirements for this program.
Applying
After reading through the admissions requirements above, start the application process.
